Director of public health to stand down in November

Dr Mike Robinson has announced his intention to stand down as Croydon’s director of public health.

Dr Robinson leaves the authority on 13 November to take up the post of tri-borough director of public health for Westminster, Hammersmith & Fulham and Kensington & Chelsea.

In his three years at Croydon he managed the return of public health services to the council following the abolition of primary care trusts. Key areas that came under the control of the council include sexual health, health checks, health protection, obesity, drug and alcohol misuse, and smoking cessation.

He was instrumental in the establishment of the Croydon Heart Town brand in partnership with the British Heart Foundation. He also oversaw the borough earning Food Flagship status, the introduction of free health checks for residents aged between 40 and 74, and has been a key figure on the health and well-being board.

Dr Robinson said: “I feel privileged to have led the development of the public health function here in Croydon over the past three years.

“Since coming under the wing of the council, public health provision has very much been a priority and I’m proud to say that, through a number of initiatives, we’ve made real progress in seeking to improve the future health of residents.”

Councillor Louisa Woodley, cabinet member for families, health and social care

“We thank Mike for his dedication and hard work while with us here in Croydon, and wish him every success in his new role.

“He has made a very important contribution to the borough in his time with us, not least in his work in establishing the Croydon Heart Town brand and overseeing the setting up of the Food Flagship Borough programme. Thanks to his endeavours, the future of Croydon’s residents has never looked healthier.”

Croydon Council and the Croydon Clinical Commissioning Group have begun the process of seeking a replacement to take charge of the borough’s public health services and continue the ongoing work to improve the health and well-being of local people.